Delay in Somerset Wind Project Heads to MD Senate Floor

A measure that would delay a wind turbine project in Somerset County by 15 months has made it out of the Senate Finance Committee.

The delay would allow for the results of a $2 million study on the impact of the project on radar at U.S. Naval Air Station on the Patuxent River.

In addition, the measure would limit the height of wind turbines at varying distances at varying distances from the naval base.

The Salisbury Daily Times reports that Eastern Shore Democrat Jim Mathias voted no saying the issues could be dealt with through existing state and federal laws.

This week House Minority leader Steny Hoyer, who represents southern Maryland where the naval base is located, urged approval of the delay bringing a letter of support signed by both of the state’s senators.

The measure has already been approved by the House of Delegates and is headed to Senate floor.

Governor Martin O’Malley’s office says he does not support the measure in its current form.

Somerset County is expected to raise $40 million in taxes and several landowners are expected to benefit from allowing their land to host the wind turbines.